USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 59
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On June 23, 1896, Miss Raymond was married
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to Capt. F. J. Fitzwilliam, a man of genial and engaging personality, who had been a resident of Bloomington since 1566, and was a leading merchant of that city. During the Civil war he was captain of Company A, Thirty third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The happy married life of Captain and Mrs. Fitzwilliam was cut short by his death, December 23, 1899, at their home at No. 4824 Vincennes Avenue, Chicago, where she yet resides. Her residence is beau- tifully furnished and in it may be found ope of the most valuable libraries in Chicago, Mrs. Fitzwilliam having taken an intellectual woman's interest in accumulating her books, very many of the volumes being first editions in special bindings. A number are prized for personal associations, some are antiques, and all are of high literary merit. In addition, she possesses valuable manuscripts aud other articles of interest especially dear to book- lovers and artists. She enjoys life, interesting herself in philanthropic work, giving lectures on art, history and travel, and is a capable manager of her own business affairs and also is a charming hostess to a large circle of congenial friends. During her long connection with the Bloomington schools her earnings were consid- erable, and by the addition of her inheritance from her parents, she was able to make invest- ments in Illinois farm lands before they had so greatly advanced in valne. Additionally, when an aunt passed away, quite important properties came into her possession, so that at present she has what even in Chicago may be considered an ample competence.
Mrs. Fitzwilliam's whole life has been one of great physical and mental exertion and her later as well as earlier days have been full of work. Naturally she joined such Chicago organizations as the Travel Club, the Arche Club, and the Chicago Woman's Club, wholly made up of women of serious thought. taste and culture. Her most arduous duties at Chicago were performed while she was treasurer of the Chicago Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, with its 0 members, and so faithfully did she fill this lahortons position that it was with difficulty that she obtained her release when other interests claimed her. She is a member of the Danzh- ters of the Patriots and the Founders of Amer- ica. Eligibility for membership is fomuled upon descent from patriotic ancestry in unbroken line through the Colonial times and the Revolu- tionary war. In her case it is no empty honor
to belong to this society, as her Raymond an- cestor in Massachusetts, as we have noted, in 1687, was one of our American heroes deserving national recognition, while no less than four of hor great-grandfathers were in the war of the Revolution. The same lines of New Eng- land ancestry have made her eligible to the Society of Colonial Dames. She is a member also of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, with headquarters at Bos- ton, Mass. Her most recent honor has been her appointment as Honorary Regent of the Lincoln University Endownient Association for the Lincoln Memorial University at Cumber- land Gap, Tenn., which institution was estab- lished for the educating of white boys and girls of the mountain regions of the South, where Lincoln himself was born. She is a member of the Art Institute of Chicago, . the Illinois State Historical Society, and the
Mclean Historical Society. In all tl organ- izations she maintains more than ordinary interest and through thein she keeps in touch with some of the most important activities of these modern times.
Mrs. Fitzwilliam has thus not only kept her- self alive to our later day humanities, but has been instrumental in furthering and advancing important social, educational and civie move- ments. It would naturally be supposed that her experience with financial and business prob- leis while in charge of the Bloomington public schools thoroughly fitted her for almost any position in which an educated business woman might find herself, and she has, consequently, most admirably filled the office of executrix of the estates of her father, her husband and her aant. When her dear friend. Miss Georgina Trotter, died, it was found that Mrs. Fitzwilliam had been chosen to settle her estate, which largely became the property of a brother, Mr. James Trotter, who lived but a short time after- ward. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam administered his estate. The duties imposed by his will were full of very difficult legal perplexities, all of which were ably solved by this experienced lady. In attending to these duties it fell to ber lot to carry out the provision of Mr. Trot- ter's will which provided for a memorial to the Trotter family, and this, while difficult, must have been one of the most satisfactory of her life's many duties, She engaged the famous sculptor. Lorado Taft. of Chicago, to design a beautiful and artistic memorial foun- tain, which is one of the best productions of
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that artist, and it was dedicated, with imposing ceremonies, on Memorial Day, May 30, 1911. This will ever be preserved in remembrance of the Trotter family, and it will, also, be con- sidered by the people of Bloomington a me!to- rial to Miss Trotter and Mrs. Fitzwilliam. The fountain stands on the children's playground, which is a part of the grounds of the Withers Public Library, and the people of Bloomington will never forget that the construction of that library building was almost entirely accom- plished through the efforts of these two ladies, Miss Georgina Trotter and Miss Sarah E. Ras- mond, the latter of whom was president of the Public Library Board for twelve years and was a member of the building committee dorise .. p' period of construction. The manufacture re placing of the above fountain was delayed . : me months and because of this Mrs. Fitz- 1 put off, for a time. her projected trip to _ and the Orient, but later enjoyed extensi - travel through interesting foreign countries and met pleasant social recognition as an individual and as a well informed traveler.
A fitting close to the biography of this dis- tinguished woman may be offered in the fol-
lowing paper, which is a testimonial written by Hon. Adini E. Stevenson, ouce Vice Presi- dent of the United States and for years a resi- dent of Bloomington :
"Mrs. Sarab E. (Raymond) Fitzwilliam was for many years a resident of Bloomington and superintendent of our publte schools. As a member of the Board of Education during a portion of that time, i and excellent opportuni- ties to know her worth and to become thor- oughly acquainted with her methods as a teacher and superintendent. It is not too much to say that in both she reached the high water mark of efficiency. She was, in my judgment, par excellence, the teacher both of pupil and of instructor.
"She magnified her office and was unwearied in her efforts to promote the cause of higher education in our city. Her accomplishment will be a continued inspiration to those who succeed her in the important work.
"As a lady of the loftiest character, as a co-worker in every effort for the public good. and as the cultured and pleasing associate and friend, she will long be gratefully remembered in her early home."
LAWRENCE JOSEPH REED.
It is impossible to do full justice to a man while he is still in the land of the living, for his deeds and character must be viewed in retro- spect in order that their true value be de- termined. Some men pass through life without making any lasting impress upon their times, while others appear to possess that faculty which gives them the power to dominate every situation in which they may be placed. Such men often are of great value to their associates and com- munities. Through their ability and influence vast business enterprises are established and maintained ; they take an important part in civic affairs, either as private citizens or public of- ficials, and in religious matters they do their entire duty. The death of such men leaves vacant places not easily filled, and this is the case with the passing of Lawrence Joseph Reed of Chicago, once one of the city's solid, repro- sentative men, whose connection with the paving industry was wide and important. Mr. Reed was a native son of Chicago, having been born in this city October 7, 1866, a son of William James and Anne (Conway) Reed. natives of Kilkenny, Ireland. The father and mother came
with their respective families to the United States about the same time. A rather remark- alde coincidence in these families is that the three keed brothers married the three Conway sisters, all at Fall River, Mass., where the fam- ilies lived prior to a migration to Chicago. Dur- ing the Civil war William J. Reed cheerfully gave his services to support his adopted country, and was an excellent type of the better class of Irish-American patriots.
Lawrence Joseph Reed received his educa- tional training at St. Patrick's Academy, Chi- cago, and as he was of a quiet temperament, he was a close student and developed a taste for literature and music. After leaving school, he worked for Marshall Field & Co., prior to enter- ing the employ of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, where he rose to be assistant auditor. Although his prospects were very bright with that road, he left it to enter a contracting busi- ness with his uncle, Richard F. Conway, and in 1SOS the partners incorporated the R. F. Con- way Company, with R. F. Conway as president and Lawrence J. Reed as treasurer. In addi- tion to this connection, Mr. Reed was treasurer
Jammer g. dead
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and a director of the International Asphalt Company and a director of the Warner Quilsa Asphalt Company, giving to all these concerns the benefit of his sound judgment and wise advice.
On June 28, 1893, at St. Jarlath's Catholic Church, Chicago, Mr. Reed was united in mar- riage with Miss Helena J. Quirk, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew Quirk. She was born at Chicago, and her mother born at Chatham, New Brunswick, Canada. Her father was born at Castle Gregory, County Kerry, Ireland, and settled in Chicago in the early forties. He served four years in the Civil war, with the rank of captain, and after the close of the con- flict became prominent in the political and social life of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Reed became the parents of the following children: Richard Joseph, who was born February 13, 1895; Law- rence Conway, who was born December 3, 1897; Mildred Mary, who was born October 7, 1900; Constance Helena, who was born June 14, 1902;
and Muriel Agnes, who was born April 19, 1904. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Reed resided at No. 3146 Washington boulevard until Jan- mary 1912, when they purchased the residence at No. 2524 Sheridan Road, which continued to be their home until Mr. Reed's demise. Mr. Reed owned both of the above residences, as well as the twelve-apartment house at No. 2701 Washington boulevard, and the vacant property at Sheridan Road and Ardmore avenue. A Catholic in religious belief, he attended the Cathedral of the Holy Name. He was a Demo- erat but took but little interest in politics, but was a leader in club and social circles, belong- ing to the Chicago Athletic Association, and the South Shore Country and Exmoor clubs. Equally was he honored and respected in busi- ness circles for he was a man who made and retained friends. Devoted to his home and family, he delighted in entertaining and was a genial host.
THOMAS M. SHAW.
The late Judge Thomas M. Shaw of Lacon, Ill., was faultless in honor, fearless in conduct, stainless in reputation, and he left behind him a record that is an honor to the bar of Illinois and to the state legislature in which he served as a member of the upper house for years. He possessed an intellect fertile in resources. means and expedients, and his promotions to increasing responsibilities were numerous and rapid. Possessed of many intellectual qualifica- tions, his wonderfully systematic mind and quickness of perception aided him in his legal practice, and upon the bench, and his place as a lawyer and as a judge was one of distinction.
Born in a log cabin in Roberts Township, Marshall County, Ill., August 20, 1836, Thomas M. Shaw's beginning was not auspicious, but he came of excellent stock, his grandmother being a cousin of General Washington, and his father, George H. Shaw, a man of parts, who received his educational training in Kentucky with James Buchanan, later president of the United States. George H. Shaw was a Ken- tucky planter, but holding advanced views rela- tive to slavery, freed his slaves and came to Illinois in 1829, with his bride. whose name had been Penelope R. Edwards. They took up government land which was part timber and part prairie, and from them the locality took its name, being known as Shaw's Point. Later
the log cabin was replaced by a brick residence, but Mrs. Shaw died prior to that, in 1840, when her son, Thomas M., was only four years old. The father survived until February 2, 1877.
Growing up amid pioneer conditions. Thomas HI. Shaw assisted in clearing the land, studying when opportunity offered, and at the age of sixteen years entered Judson College at Mount Palatine, Putnam County, Ill., and a year later was enrolled as a student at Mount Morris Academy. Still later he entered the law office of his consin, William D. Edwards, at that time the leading attorney of Lacon. When only twenty years old, in 1855, he was admitted to the bar, and locating at Hennepin, Ill., prac- ticed there for five years, In 1862, he returned to Lacon, but had previously enlisted for service during the Civil war, and was chosen captain of the company, but was afterwards rejected on account of defective eyesight. Upon locating at Lacon, he became a partner of Judge Mark Bangs, which association continned for seven- teen years or until the appointment of Judge Bangs as United States district attorney with headquarters at Chicago. In the meanwhile Mr. Shaw had been admitted to practice, in 1872, in the United States Supreme court. Ile formed a partnership with a cousin, R. B. Ed- wards, and they continued together until Judge Shaw's election in 1855 as one of the three cir-
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cuit judges of the Tenth Judicial District. In 1891, and again in 1897, he was elected, but died April 15, 1901, during the sixteenth year of service. He had very few decisions reversed, and was a recognized leader in the Democratic party for many years. Upon two occasions he was mayor of Lacon, and was once candidate for Congress, and in 1SSO was elected to rep- resent his district, comprising Marshall, Wood- ford and Putnam counties, in the state senate, and distinguished himself in this office, leaving behind him a magnificent record as a statesman.
On December 24, 1863, Judge Shaw married Nellie F. Hirsch, of Metamora, Woodford County, Ill., who was born in New Hampshire, one in a family of five children born to Fred- erick F. and Caroline ( Sterrett) Hirsch. Mrs. Hirsch died at Metamora, October S. 1866. hav- ing been a native of New Hampshire. Mr. Hirch, who was born at Lowell, Mass., died at Metamora, Ill., April 22. 1901, aged eighty-five years, within a week after Judge Shaw passed away. Mrs. Shaw was ten years old when the
family came to Illinois. Her maternal great- grandfather was an officer in the British army. Judge and Mrs. Shaw had no children, but reared an adopted daughter, Daisy. Judge Shaw loved music and art, and in his travels availed himself of the privileges offered by for- eign galleries and collections.
Judge S. S. Page, one of his associates in the Circuit Court, wrote of him: "We all feel that we have lost one of the best and most lovable men we have ever known. I never knew a man who seemed to possess more of a sweet, won- anly disposition." IIon. Adlai E. Stevenson, vice-president of the United States, who spoke at his funeral, referred to him as his lifelong friend, not only an able lawyer and upright judge, but so true a man in all the relations of life as to have fairly earned the immortality spoken of by the poet, who said: "To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die." . Judge Shaw left a beautiful residence at Lacon, which Mrs. Shaw owns and occupies.
GEORGE PHILLIP SCHERT.
America, where opportunity smiles ber frank invitation to the earnest and strong, gladly as- similates the sturdy German folk who come seeking freedom of enterprise and an unpreju- diced chance for success. They are welcomed on the record of those who have preceded them, which promises for the newcomers that they will be desirable citizens, and for the families which are to follow them that they will be ac- corded a place in the American commonwealth as Americans whose ample ability is directed by true conceptions of their privileges and re- sponsibilities. One of this type was George Phil- lip Schert, born January 23, 1847, in Wurttem- berg, Germany, near Stuttgart, a son of Fred Phillip and Margaret (Funk) Schert. His par- ents were farmers, and with them, on the farm, he spent his carlier years, attending the com- mon schools in the neighborhood. George was the third in order of birth in the family, and was the only one permitted by the Ruler of us all to attain the ripe years of advanced ma- jority. He had three brothers and three sisters whose names are as follows: Frederick. Got- lieb, Christian, Catherine. Caroline and Louisa. Although his parents did not come to America, George Schert saw pleasing prospects in the "Land of all Nations," and accordingly left his old home, arriving in the country in 1865 and
locating in Chicago in 1866. Here he became engaged in the business of marketing meats, and soon had under operation a well-organized trade, necessitating two shops which prospered until the "Chicago Fire" totally destroyed his place of business, on the South side of the city. Subsequently, however, he opened a meat mar- ket on Sedgwick street, which he continued to operate until he undertook a market of larger patronage at the corner of Cleveland avenue and Wisconsin street. The extent of his trade here enabled him to retire from active life in 1895, and, as he had erected the three buildings he had occupied before his retirement, in addi- tion to two beautiful apartment houses, he was assured of a continued income aside from the proceeds of his other investments.
On the thirtieth of May, 1869, Mr. Schert was married to Miss Katharine Wingert, the service being performed in Chicago, in a German Lu- theran church. His wife was a native of Wein- heim, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and a dangh- ter of Heinrich and Mary (Gettelman) Win- gert. She came to this country in 1867. To Mr. and Mrs. Schert the following nine chil- dren were born : Albert and Henry, who were twins, are deceased; Caroline, who is now Mrs. Schermer: Ida Louise, who lives with her mother ; and George. Fred, George, Anna, Wal-
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ter, who are all deceased. Mr. Schert bad other connections than those of his business, in his membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the Schwaben Verein, a charita- ble lodge, which he served as treasurer for a considerable time, and was on its financial com- mittee. Politically Mr. Schert was a staunch Democrat, having voted with that party for many years. He and his wife and family all had membership in the German Lutheran Church, and, while he himself was not a regu- lar attendant, he gave liberally towards its support. Mr. Schert was in ill health during
the late years of his life and made frequent visits to Mount Clemens, Mich., for medical treatment. Throughout his earlier residence in Chicago he spent much time in traveling, and six times returned to his old home in Germany, where his parents still lived. In the fall of 1911 he began to suffer more acutely from ill health and was confined to his bed, later going to the St. Joseph's Hospital. When his condition grew so critical that hope for his recovery was gone, he was removed to his home, where he died December 20, 1911. His remains were interred at Rosehill Cemetery, December 24, 1911.
J. ALEXANDER SMITH.
It is but fitting that an appropriate tribute be paid the life, character and public service of Captain Alexander Smith, whose exceptional fidelity and distinguished ability have proven conclusively that hidden in every heart is an ideal struggling towards light and purity. As a soldier his record was unblemished and he has carried into old age those qualities which made his rise in his company so rapid. Faith- ful performance of duty and a full appreciation of any and all responsibilties laid upon his shoulders have won him the appreciation and consideration of his grateful fellow citizens. He was born in Eaton, Ohio, June 27, 1844, a son of Alexander and Ellen Elizabeth (Ritchie) Smith, the father a native of Petersburg, Va., who moved to Pennsylvania. Married in the latter state, he later went to Ohio, and still later to Iowa, where he died in 1857. The mother of Captain Smith was a native of Mont- pelier, Vt. Believing fully in the dignity of labor, the parents of Captain Smith had him apprenticed to the saddler's trade and he was working at it in Atlanta, Ill., when he felt the call of patriotism at the outbreak of Civil war, and enlisted on April 15, 1861, in Company E, Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, when under seventeen years of age, and the follow- ing day was made corporal. On July 25, 1861, he was made first lieutenant, and on Novem- ber 12, 1862, when he was only eighteen years old, while at Corinth, he was made captain, being one of the youngest men holding that rank in the service. When his term expired, he re-enlisted as a veteran in the same company, with the rank of captain. on December 22, 1563, and was mustered out at Louisville. Ky., July 9, 1865, just after he had attained his majority,
having been with the same regiment and com- pany during the entire period of his service.
Some interesting incidents concerning his career as a soldier may be gleaned from letters written his mother. In one dated Fort Henry, Tenn., February 7, 1862, he tells of the capture of Fort Henry, and the expedition against it. His regiment was transported on the steamer City of Memphis from Fort Holt past Cairo, Mound City, Paducah to Smithland at the mouth of the Tennessee River. From there the boat went on the Tennessee to Paris Landing, where the troops had breakfast, and then went on to Camp Ilalleck. For several days the en- campment was kept busy skirmishing and pre- paring for a forced march, which took place on the 6th. The troops took possession of the lower end of the island overlooking the enemy's fortifications, and the first shot from the Essex, commanded by Capt. Porter, cut off the flag staff. Captain Smith later obtained a piece of this very flag which he sent to his mother as a relie of the engagement. The shelling from the gun boats was so continuous and heavy that within one hour and ten minutes from the firing of the first shot by the Essex, the fort was surrendered. Captain Smith's regiment did not enter the fort, until the morning of the 7th, when they found plenty of evidence of the havoc occasioned by the shots from the gun- boats. He mentions the proposed march on to Fort Donelson, which is but thirteen miles away from Fort Henry, and also the importance of securing the latter, for without it. the Fed- eral troops could not hope to occupy Nashville. In another letter, dated Pittsburgh Landing, Tenn., April 21, 1862, Captain Smith wrote his mother ; there is a paragraph that is very inter-
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esting to one looking back upon the history of those times. It is as follows:
"Mother, this is Sunday evening; the event- ful eve two weeks ago at this hour of writing, the destiny of this our beloved country, per- haps hung on the issue of the morrow. At this hour the enemy had forced our centre, of which my regiment was one of the five. That we were whipped at every point of attack, except this single one, is useless to conceal. The thinned and wavering ranks of our little band disputed every inch of the ground, as they were slowly but surely forced back. Three times, had we driven the enemy back, but by overwhelming numbers we were three times obliged to relin- quish the ground gained. We finally retired behind that battery of guns that saved our army from a total rout. Then commenced a scene that will forever be fresh in my memory -twenty-two guns, some of them of the heaviest caliber, opened together on the advane- ing rebels, their roar drowned all other sounds except the sullen thunders of the gunboats. The solid columns of the enemies were scat- tered like chaff before the iron hail of our guns." In describing the battle of Allatoona Pass, Captain Smith says: "The battle of the Allatoona Pass, October 5, 1864, was the great- est little battle of the Civil War. The battle flag photograph taken the day following the Grand Review at Washington, May 24, 1865, is a picture of priceless historie interest, as it depicts a lifelike appearance of the soldiers of the great western army under General Sherman, after more than four years of bloody contact on the firing line, and having just completed a march of nearly 2,000 miles through a hostile country. The Seventh regiment with an exalted patriotism unsurpassed in history, and after their third enlistment in defense of the nation, purchased at their own expense at $50, out of the meagre pay of a private soldier. the Henry rifle, sixteen shooter, then as now (Winchester) the most effective weapon ever invented. That their lofty patriotism was but a prophecy of the future, it need only be stated that a few weeks after receiving the arms the regiment was sent with General Carse to his famous defense of the Allatoona Pass ( Hold the Fort) and were there a most potent factor in that sanguinary and important victory. The flag is the ideati- cal and only one that floated over the ramparts of the fort on that dreadful das. The staff was cut in two, and otherwise struck eleven times. As many as 217 bullets passed through
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